One thing that really ticks me off is being asked to take some kind of a test during an interview. They call this a “technical interview” but it’s really just a test. I find this really, really, really insulting. I’ve had people 20 years junior to me try to do it and it’s is so unprofessional. I would never treat a fellow professional that way. I might be able to accept doing it for a very junior position where the applicant has no applicable work experience but absolutely not for any other reason.
By giving me a test, a company is saying that they don’t believe what’s on my CV or what my references say - if they’ve even bothered to call them. They’re effectively calling me a liar. And they want me to actually consider working at a company that would treat a prospective employee that way? Think again! I was even at one company in Edmonton that gave me what amounted to an IQ test. Well, needless to say, I got so ticked off at them that I effectively told them that their interview process sucked and walked out. Of course, I’ll never apply to that company again and if I ever have to work with them, they’ll get an earful from me and probably lose the contract or the opportunity they were seeking. The lesson to learn is, don’t alienate the people you don’t hire. They may be valuable to you in the future.
So, what justification do the HR simians have for doing this? Apparently, they want to find out if I can do the job. It’s like they didn’t even look at my CV. Can’t they tell by talking to me about what I’ve done whether I know what I’m talking about? I can do it. Why can’t they? If you hire someone who has lied and can’t do the job then just fire him. What’s the big deal? You can do that anytime within the first three months with no cause.
An interview is not about giving someone a stupid, useless, insulting test. It’s about determining whether that person is a good fit to the company – in personality, attitude and appearance. These are things that don’t show up on a CV. By the time one gets an interview, it should be obvious that the person is qualified so testing is redundant. Also, an interview is a two way street. I’m there to see how I’m treated in the interview as much as you are to get to know me. I’m not there to be a buddy or to grill you but to observe you and the environment. If you treat me with respect, I’ll become enthusiastic. If you try to give me a test, guess what kind of impression that makes!
I just had an interview at a software company (I have 15 years experience) and was given a 2-part test, the first part asking basic questions (computer science type math questions) and a bunch of (more or less basic) software design questions. However, during the interview no advanced questions were posed. I have to say I don't want to work at that company, and I regret sending them my CV. I'm getting better at "smelling" companies now. What you have to look out for is companies where the upper management has a very narrow background (say, a PhD in compiler design, and ten years experience at a single company working in their compiler design department). These types of people may succeed in their (very) specialized role, but they overestimate how fantastic they are.
ReplyDeleteI suspect this is a problem with smaller companies.